StormTrooperTL508

Hi does anyone on here know how to install a voltage gauge ? I ordered one and have no clue on how to wire it. Thanks in advance!

dcmodels

Quote:

Originally Posted by StormTrooperTL508

Hi does anyone on here know how to install a voltage gauge ?

EVERSTART BATTERY MONITOR VOLTMETER p/n 932W:
This inexpensive digital device measures between 8.0 and 19.9 volts DC. It displays only to a single decimal point. It draws 0.1 amps because it has 3-LEDs and the 3-digit display. The device was purchased from Wal-Mart.

Since I do not own a ‘real’ digital volt meter. I have no way to calibrate or verify the accuracy of this simple device. It is useful only to give comparison readings during charging. However, compared to some other DCVMs that I have, it seems to be accurate to one-half (0.5) volts.

This device is useful in indicating any problems with the vehicle charging system, e.g., the alternator. For example, the Acura RDX voltage should read between 13.5v and 15.1v when the engine is running, from the factory specification. The device can be plugged directly into one of the (cigarette-lighter type) charging ports on the dash, which will give a reading only when the engine is running.

This voltage-meter device can also be used as an alternative to a Load-Test, by verifying that the battery voltage is between 9.5-10 volts (minimum) during an engine start.

But seriously, you must use the instructions with the gauge that you purchased, as every gauge will differ slightly in wire-up.

But where do you intend to install the new gauge? I could not find a place on my RDX, which is why I bought the plug-in type.

splew

You connect positive side of the gauge to any ignition switched 12 volt power source (cigarette lighters/power outlets are popular) and you connect the negative side to any chassis ground.

StormTrooperTL508

But there's a third wire ?

PhiSigBrotha

Backlight illumination? No idea unless to tell us what brand/model it is.

DeathMetal

iTrader: (2)

^^^This. A third wire is typically employed where a means for display current is required.

Darren's TL

The third wire is most likely a dim function ( dimming the gauge at night so it's less blinding)

I never hook it up because the regular brightness doesn't bother me.
If you wanted to hook yours up you would just have to splice into the head light circuit. It won't draw much power, its just uses the headlight power as a switch to turn on the dim function.

StormTrooperTL508

http://m.ebay.com/itm/251494678580?txnId=1434088647015

bp_spets

It says it comes with instructions.. read the instructions!

Darren's TL

Make sure you put a fuse in-line on the positive wire. It should tell you what size but if it doesn't, I run a 5 amp fuse for mine in my prelude.

StormTrooperTL508

All the instructions say is nothing it's just a picture from from my battery and one to my ignition ??

DeathMetal

iTrader: (2)

It's wired to a switched source to prevent from pulling current when the vehicle is not in use. It'd drain the batter otherwise.

Darren's TL

Oh, OK. some that means one wire is the constant power( what the gauge measures) and one is the turn on wire. So wire one to a constantly hot source and one to a source that only hot/live when the ignition is on. You can tab into a fuse on the inside fuse box that is hot only when the ignition is on. The picture should show you what color wire does what.

DeathMetal

iTrader: (2)

Yes

Darren's TL

Remember like I said before run an in-line fuse on the constant wire, close to the source. I know I'm repeating myself but its very important. I use a 5 amp fuse.